Muscular Dystrophy

Share this page

Muscular dystrophies are a group a group of genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal or voluntary muscles which control movement. The muscles of the heart and some other involuntary muscles are also affected in some forms of muscular dystrophy . The disorders differ in terms of the distribution and extent of muscle weakness, age of onset, rate of progression, and pattern of inheritance. The symptoms of muscular dystrophy are the result of a deterioration of the body's muscles. This deterioration is due to the death of muscle tissues and leads to muscle weakness.

Muscular dystrophy results in difficulty walking, disability, ultimately the use of a wheelchair. Currently there is no treatment available to stop any form of muscular dystrophy. However, certain therapies and medications aim to treat the various problems that result from muscular dystrophy. The progression and severity of the symptoms of muscular dystrophy varies between individuals and the type of muscular dystrophy. 500 - 600 male newborns are diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.